City CouncilReleased July 30, 2012
The Olathe City Council will next meet Tuesday, August 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall for a regular session. Regular sessions are broadcast live on OGN (Comcast channel 7, AT&T channel 99 and on the City’s website). To see the complete agenda for this meeting, visit the City’s website at www.OlatheKS.org.

Summer Pool Closure Schedule AnnouncedReleased July 30, 2012
The City of Olathe will reduce pool operations beginning in August as follows:

• Mill Creek Pool will close for the season on Sunday, August 5 at 8:00 p.m.

Frontier Trail Pool and Oregon Trail Pool will close on Sunday, August 12 at 8:00 p.m.

Black Bob Bay will remain open through Labor Day with new hours starting August 13:

August 13-17; Monday – Friday open 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

August 17 at 7:00 p.m. - Pool closes for weekday operation

Beginning August 18 – Open Saturday and Sunday only from 12:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. through Labor Day, September 3.

City of Olathe Seeking Artist SubmissionsReleased July 30, 2012
The City of Olathe is currently accepting artist submissions for the Olathe Community Center Art Project. Olathe is building a state of the art community center at Kansas City Road and Ridgeview Road. The 72,000 square foot structure will be completed in 2014. Leopold Gallery is the art consultant for the project.

The Call is open to artists in Kansas and the Kansas City area, and is open to all art media. The postmark deadline for submissions is September 29, 2012. Please visit /CommunityCenter for more information on the guidelines and submission process.

Tips for Protecting Your TreesReleased July 30, 2012
The heat and drought have wreaked havoc on landscapes across the city. The Olathe Parks and Recreation Department fields numerous inquiries about how homeowners can protect one of the most expensive pieces of their landscape, trees.

Rick Spurgeon, City of Olathe Arborist, suggests the following for residents wanting to protect their trees:

Don’t depend on your irrigation system. Most residential systems are not effective at allowing the water to soak into the ground and get to the deep roots of trees. Turf and trees have different needs. Daily, shallow turf watering can actually kill your trees.

Think low and slow. Run your hose on a low setting at the base of your tree for 3-4 hours every 10 days. Another idea is to drill holes in a 5 gallon bucket, set along the base to the drip line (the canopy) of the tree and fill, do this a few times every week or so a couple of days a week.

Aerate your trees. Many homeowners aerate their yards on a regular basis, but neglect their trees. The soil needs to be broken up around the tree to allow oxygen and water to flow to the root system properly. Turf aeration DOES NOT aerate the trees. Trees need aeration over one foot deep.

Don’t over water. Just as important as low and slow watering every few days, remember that watering everyday can also cause stress. Space out your watering, but make sure the water is SOAKED DOWN DEEP, not just muddy on top.

Mulch. Adding a good layer of mulch around your tree will help insulate the roots and conserves water.

Spurgeon also suggests that residents consider trees for fall planting that are either native or adaptive to the area and our weather. A few suggested drought-hardy trees include Bald Cypress, Chinquapin Oak, Swamp White Oak.

“Many times homeowners worry about their grass and not their trees in drought situations,” said Spurgeon. “What is important to remember is that you can have brand new grass in as little as two weeks, but in many cases it takes 80 years to replace a tree lost to conditions like we are experiencing.”

School Programs Filling up at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and FarmReleased July 30, 2012
It’s back to school time and Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site, 1200 Kansas City Road, offers students an opportunity to discover history where it happened. Mahaffie offers hands-on activities with animals, wagons and a working stagecoach ensuring a fun learning experience for students and a valuable tool for educators. Each of five structured programs are designed to meet curriculum standards for both Kansas and Missouri schools. Mahaffie also offers two programs that can be taken into the schools.

The Growing Up Victorian program is offered for kindergarten through third grade. Students participate in 1800s activities designed to help them make comparisons with their lives today. Hands-on activities include laundry demonstrations, 19th Century Games, chores and a stagecoach ride.

Three programs are designed for third through eighth grades. Wagons Ho! is our most popular school program and features hands on activities from the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe Trails. Students learn why and how so many 19th Century Americans went west on these trails. The JB Mahaffie Had a Farm program features 1860s hands on farming activities. Students learn that the Mahaffie Farm became famous as a stagecoach stop and was even more important as a family farming operation. Kansas is also famous for cowboys and students can experience cowboy skills during the Home on the Range school program. Many of the tools, skills and words used by American cowboys trace their beginnings to the vaqueros of Mexico. Discover these connections and find out if the lives of 1860s Kansas cowboys match what is portrayed in the movies. The Tragic Prelude program is for fourth through eighth grades and features concepts from the Civil War. Students can explore life on the Kansas/Missouri border during the Border and Civil Wars including the military, Jayhawkers, Bushwhackers and civilians caught in the middle.
Cost for students is $5 and Mahaffie suggests a one adult to ten student ratio. School programs last approximately two hours. To book a school program, at 913.971.5111.

Mark Your Fall Calendars Now for Upcoming Mahaffie EventsReleased July 30, 2012Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site, 1200 Kansas City Road, announces the 2012 Fall Calendar of Events. The featured fall event is the Wild West Show and Bullwhacker Days on Saturday September 22 and Sunday September 23. Experience performances from Annie Oakley, the Whip Guy, and enjoy lots of hands on activities for kids such as roping and gold panning. New this year is Wicked Liars: Fire Eating, Sword Swallowing and Juggling. Enjoy a Cowboy Baseball Game using 1860s rules on Saturday and a youth rodeo and mutton busting on Sunday.

Other special events include Grandparents Day on Sunday September 9, Fall Home School Day on Thursday September 13, and Cemetery Tours on Thursday October 11, Friday October 12 and Saturday October 13. This year, Cemetery Tours feature stories of Olathe during the Civil War. Tour tickets go on sale Wednesday, August 1 and can be purchased in the Heritage Center during regular business hours. Tickets are $5/adults and $4/kids ages 5 to 11. Join Mahaffie on Saturday, October 20 for Tiger Cub Scout Day highlighting Fall Harvest activities, and Saturday, October 27 for the third Trick or Treat OFF the Street event.

Winter events include a Santa Breakfast on Saturday, November 24, Christmas Open House on Saturday, December 1, and a Holiday Tea on Sunday, December 9. For more information about Mahaffie special events, visit www.mahaffie.org.

City CouncilReleased July 23, 2012
The Olathe City Council will next meet Tuesday, July 24 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall for a regular session. Regular sessions are broadcast live on OGN (Comcast channel 7, AT&T channel 99 and on the City’s website). To see the complete agenda for this meeting, visit the City’s website at www.OlatheKS.org.

City of Olathe Staying Ahead of the Curve to Keep Water SafeReleased July 23, 2012
The City of Olathe prides itself in its exceptionally safe and “best tasting” drinking water and consistently looks for additional opportunities to keep it that way. Along with the cities of Topeka and Lawrence, the State of Kansas, and WaterOne, Olathe began partnering with the U.S. Geological Survey on a five-year monitoring program for algal toxins and taste-and-odor compounds in the Kansas River.

Though Olathe currently has no issues with algal toxins and pumps water from wells in the aquifer rather than the river, the City believes the study will help all those involved to provide a better understanding of water river compounds and further ensure the City’s water quality.

“Harmful algal blooms are on the rise globally in both marine and freshwater systems; applying good science to understand their triggers is the first step to reducing their occurrence in the future," said USGS Director Marcia McNutt. "In the meantime, we must remain ever vigilant in our monitoring to assure citizens that their water supply is healthy and safe."

For more information about water quality and treatment in Olathe, visit /OMS/Water/Quality.

Black Bob Bay Named 2012 Dream DesignReleased July 23, 2012
Olathe’s Black Bob Bay aquatics park was announced a 2012 Dream Design by Aquatics International. This annual award is given to the best designs and renovations around the world. In order to qualify, the nominated center must have been renovated or built in the last five years.

“We redesigned Black Bob Bay with the community in mind and a desire to bring something special and unique to Olathe,” said Konni Knabe, recreation/aquatics program manager. “This award and the attendance shows that we did it right and (the award) is a great honor for the team involved.”

Funded through the support of the park sales tax, Black Bob Bay opened with its new design in 2010 and has greeted more than 150,000 visitors over the last two and a half seasons. With birthday parties, daycare field trips and family outings, Black Bob Bay has become a premier destination for summertime activities in Olathe.

Aquatics International is the only publication devoted exclusively to the commercial and public pool industry. It strives to support contractors and pool operators through the design and maintenance of public pools.

REMINDER! Santa Fe Closure Begins Today 7/23Released July 23, 2012
Beginning today, July 23, Santa Fe Street from Kansas Avenue to Walnut Street will close for ten days as part of the Santa Fe Streetscape project. Following the closure, Santa Fe will be reduced to one-lane in either direction to complete the remainder of work in the area. For more information about the project, including a project rendering, visit /PublicWorks/Construction/SantaFeStreetscape.

Developer Forum and Public Workshop Released July 23, 2012
The City of Olathe will hold a Developer Forum and a Public Workshop on Wednesday, July 25 to present and receive feedback concerning the first module of draft updates for the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), the City’s zoning code.

Both meetings will be held in the Council Chamber at Olathe City Hall, 100 East Santa Fe. The Developer Forum will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Coffee and breakfast will be available in the lobby beginning at 8:00 a.m. The Public Workshop will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Cookies and refreshments will be served. An RSVP is appreciated, but not required. Please contact the Planning Division at 913-971-8750 to RSVP.

The UDO update will assist in implementing PlanOlathe, the City's comprehensive plan adopted in 2010. The City will consider several “modules” of the UDO Design Guidelines draft, with three open house/developer forum sessions to occur in the summer and fall of 2012. /Development/UDO_Amendments.

Liverpool Returns for City’s Final 2012 Free Summer ConcertReleased July 23, 2012
Olathe’s final free summer concert features Beatles tribute band, Liverpool on Friday, July 27 at Olathe’s Frontier Park, 15501 West Indian Creek Parkway. The concert will begin with performances by the three acts from “Olathe’s Got Talent” at 6:30 p.m. Liverpool is scheduled to take the stage about 7:15 p.m. Typically, one of the highest attended concerts each year, Liverpool follows the Beatles complete musical path during the performance.

Proceeds from the concert will benefit KidsTLC, an Olathe based charity serving children and families in crisis.

Kansas Farm Chores Featured at Last Free Mahaffie Event ThursdayReleased July 23, 2012
Lots of farm activities go on throughout the year at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm, 1200 Kansas City Road. Get a close look at farm chores such as laundry, churning butter, sawing wood, milking and more at a free family event on Thursday, July 26. The historic site will be open from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. offering activities focused on Kansas farm chores. This will be the last event of the summer in Mahaffie’s Family Fun Night series.
See milking demonstrations at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Meet Burt, the horse, as he helps grind corn from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. For $1/person, visitors can ride on Burt as he grinds corn. At 7:00 p.m., watch Burt walk on the treadmill to thresh freshly harvested wheat. Make an item in the blacksmith shop or take a stagecoach ride for a small fee.
Learn more about butter churning by visiting Mrs. Mahaffie's stove and test skills at a variety of games typically played by children in the 19th century.
The historic site is open with living history activities and stagecoach rides from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and noon to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. For a complete listing of events, visit www.mahaffie.org or call (913) 971-5111.

Olathe Police Explorer Program Accepting Applications through July 31Released July 23, 2012
The Olathe Police Explorer Program is now accepting applications for the 2012-2013 program year. The Olathe Police Department Explorer Post is designed to provide challenging knowledge and training for young people interested in a law enforcement career. Participants will receive hands-on experience to better prepare them for the realities of a career in law enforcement. The Explorers are given the opportunity to perform numerous police officer tasks while not being placed in dangerous law enforcement situations.

The Olathe Police Explorer Program is a great way for youth to get involved in their community in a positive way. The program will run from September 2012 to July 2013. Applications are available at the Olathe Police Department and are due on or before July 31, 2012.

Operation Lifeline Available to Those in NeedReleased July 23, 2012
With the continuation of extreme temperatures, the Olathe Police Department reminds the public of its Operation Lifeline program. The program enlists community volunteers to make daily telephone calls to retired and self-care individuals who don’t have anyone available to check on them regularly. If a volunteer is unable to make telephone contact with a program participant, a police officer is dispatched to the residence to check on the individual.

Individuals who would like to participate in the program must meet the following criteria:

Live within the city limits of Olathe

Have no family members living in the immediate area to do regular check-ins

Be able to provide Olathe Police Department access to residence in the event of an emergency.

Operation Lifeline is free of charge. Additional information is available by contacting the Community Outreach Unit at 971-7500.

This Edition of e-News - July 16, 2012:
• City Encouraging Voluntary Water Conservation
• Soul, Rock and Blues Take Center Stage at July 20 Free Summer Concert
• Harvest Wheat 19th Century Style at Free Mahaffie Event Thursday
• Operation Lifeline Available to Those in Need
• Santa Fe Street Closure Begins July 23
• Register Now for the August 7 National Night Out Against Crime
• Stay Up-To-Date on Olathe’s Growth
• Friends of the Olathe Public Library at Saturday's Farmers' Market

City CouncilReleased July 16, 2012
The Olathe City Council will next meet Tuesday, July 24 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall for a regular session. Regular sessions are broadcast live on OGN (Comcast channel 7, AT&T channel 99 and on the City’s website). To see the complete agenda for this meeting, visit the City’s website at www.OlatheKS.org.

City Encouraging Voluntary Water ConservationReleased July 16, 2012
In cooperation with Kansas Water Assurance District 1, the City of Olathe is asking customers to observe voluntary water conservation measures due to the heat and drought conditions the area has seen in recent months, including limiting all non-essential outdoor uses. The request is a voluntary measure at this time.

The City encourages water conservation measures through reduction of outdoor water use including (but not limited to):

• Voluntarily implementing an alternate day (odd/even) schedule for outdoor watering
• Limiting non-essential outdoor water use and implement Wise Outdoor Watering practices
• Watering outdoors between 6pm and 6am
• Limiting or eliminating outdoor water use on the weekends
• Using a soaker hose to water plants more efficiently
• Limiting car washing at home or using commercial car wash that recycles water
• Avoiding hosing down outside areas such as sidewalks, patios and driveways

During this critical period, the public can also help reduce indoor water use by shortening showers, only washing full loads of dishes and clothes, shutting off the faucet while brushing teeth, and repairing leaky toilets and faucets.

The City of Olathe is included in Kansas Water Assurance District 1, which covers the Kansas River Basin. Though the City’s water production operation continues meeting high demand, Olathe recognizes the importance of ensuring the region’s water supply by encouraging residents to use water wisely.

Again, this request is purely voluntary at this time as the City continues to monitor water demands, capacity and operations. For a detailed look at the City’s Water Conservation Plan and additional Wise Outdoor Watering tips, please visit /OMS/Water/Conservation.

Soul, Rock and Blues Take Center Stage at July 20 Free Summer ConcertReleased July 16, 2012
With only two shows left in the 13th Annual FREE Summer Concert Series, Farmers Insurance and the City of Olathe bring The Phantom Blues Band along with the Monophonics to the stage on Friday, July 20 at Frontier Park.

The Monophonics open the show at 7:00 p.m. with their psychedelic soul and rock sound. The sound of the early 60s and 70s fuzz guitars, analog tape echo and reverbs, vintage keyboards, horns and gritty vocals are sure to get the party started.

The Phantom Blues Band takes the stage at 8:30 p.m. showcasing its award-winning sound. With some of the best blues players in the industry, the members of the Phantom Blues Band have recorded with greats including Bonnie Raitt, Etta James, Joe Cocker, Crosby Stills and Nash, Robert Cray, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Freddie King, B.B. King, Jimmy Reed, Albert Collins, Buddy Guy and Otis Rush. The Phantom Blues Band was formed as a studio band to backup Taj Mahal on his CD, ‘Dancin’ the Blues’. The association with Taj produced several more recordings including the Grammy winning ‘Senor Blues’ and ‘Shouting in Key’. The Phantom Blues Band members are all, in their own right, successful session players, producers, arrangers, composers, songwriters and recording artists.

Arrive early to get a great spot, visit the concession stand (all proceeds go to a local charity) and visit sponsor booths. The 2012 season is sponsored by Farmers’, Applebee’s, SureWest, Olathe Toyota/Scion, Olathe Ford RV and Smokin’ Joes.

Beatles tribute band Liverpool closes out the 2012 summer concert season on July 27.

Harvest Wheat 19th Century Style at Free Mahaffie Event ThursdayReleased July 16, 2012
Harvest wheat 19th Century style at this week’s Free Family Fun Night at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. The historic site, 1200 Kansas City Road, will be open from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 19 with free admission and activities focusing on 19th Century farming.

Visitors can learn about the crops the Mahaffie’s grew and the methods they used. Learn about animal draft power, see what’s cooking on Mrs. Mahaffie’s stove, and enjoy 19th Century children’s games. For a small fee, take a stagecoach ride around the site, make a hook to take home in the blacksmith shop or grind corn to feed the farm animals.

Enjoy Family Fun Night each Thursday night in June and July, featuring free admission and small fees for some activities. The first 100 visitors collect a different Wild West Character trading card.

Kansas Farming - July 19 and July 26

As a special feature the Olathe Historical Society will present a free public viewing of the newest installment in the “Olathe – the City Beautiful” film series at 7:30 p.m. at the Heritage Center. The movie showcases the life of JC Nichols, an Olathe High School 1897 graduate, before he developed the Country Club Plaza. Free popcorn and drinks will be provided.

The final Mahaffie Family Fun Night will be on Thursday, July 26 and will focus on 1860s Kansas Farm Life.

The historic site is open with living history activities and stagecoach rides from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and noon to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. For a complete listing of events, visit www.mahaffie.org or call (913) 971-5111.

Operation Lifeline Available to Those in NeedReleased July 16, 2012
With the continuation of extreme temperatures, the Olathe Police Department reminds the public of its Operation Lifeline program. The program enlists community volunteers to make daily telephone calls to retired and self-care individuals who don’t have anyone available to check on them regularly. If a volunteer is unable to make telephone contact with a program participant, a police officer is dispatched to the residence to check on the individual.

Individuals who would like to participate in the program must meet the following criteria:

• Live within the city limits of Olathe
• Have no family members living in the immediate area to do regular check-ins
• Be able to provide Olathe Police Department access to residence in the event of an emergency.

Operation Lifeline is free of charge. Additional information is available by contacting the Community Outreach Unit at 971-7500.

Santa Fe Street Closure Begins July 23Released July 16, 2012
Santa Fe Street from Kansas Avenue to Walnut Street will close for ten days beginning on Monday, July 23. During this closure, O’Donnell and Sons Construction will remove exiting asphalt and re-grade to create a smoother transition leading up to the railroad tracks. Additional work includes the adjustment of storm sewers and the placement of new structures and curbs/drives. Following the ten day closure, Santa Fe will be reduced to one lane in either direction to complete the remainder of the work in the area.

Register Now for the August 7 National Night Out Against CrimeReleased July 16, 2012
On Tuesday night, August 7, neighborhoods and apartment complexes throughout Olathe are invited to join forces with thousands of other communities nationwide for the “29th Annual National Night Out” crime and drug prevention event. National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by the Olathe Police Department in cooperation with the Olathe Fire Department and Johnson County Med-Act. Over 15,325 communities from all 50 states are expected to participate in this year’s “America’s Night Out against Crime.” In all, over 37 million people participated in National Night Out in 2011. National Night Out 2012 is expected to be the largest ever. Once again, Target is a corporate sponsor.

National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods and the police department are working together to fight back.

From 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 7, people in neighborhoods throughout Olathe are asked to turn on their outside lights and spend the evening outdoors with neighbors. Many neighborhoods will host a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, parades, and contests. Neighborhoods can receive visits from the Olathe Police Department, the Olathe Fire Department or Johnson County Med-Act.

If you would like more information regarding National Night or to register please call 971-6323.

Stay Up-To-Date on Olathe’s Growth
Released July 16, 2012
Olathe continues to be one of America’s fastest growing cities, with 35.4% population growth over the past decade according to the 2010 Census. Learn where this growth is occurring and view Olathe’s demographic trends in the latest edition of the City of Olathe Demographics and Development Report available online. In addition, subscribe to City of Olathe’s e-News to receive current reports and updates.

Friends of the Olathe Public Library at Saturday's Farmers' MarketReleased July 16, 2012
The Friends of the Olathe Public Library will sell cookbooks and gardening books beginning at 8:00 a.m. on July 21 at the Olathe Farmers' Market, 200 W. Santa Fe in downtown Olathe. Purchase one of the new Friends of the OPL all-purpose bags while you are there; perfect for carrying books or fruits and vegetables purchased at the market.

This Edition of e-News - July 9, 2012:
• Tune In to the e-Town Hall Live Broadcast July 10
• 2012 Push America Journey of Hope Returns to Olathe July 10
• Learn About the Border War and Civil War at Free Mahaffie Event Thursday
• Olathe Police Explorers Program Accepting Applications through July 31
• Register Now for the August 7 National Night Out Against Crime
• “Julybration” Book Sale July 13-15

City CouncilReleased July 9, 2012
The Olathe City Council will next meet Tuesday, July 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall for a regular session. Regular sessions are broadcast live on OGN (Comcast channel 7, AT&T channel 99 and on the City’s website). To see the complete agenda for this meeting, visit the City’s website at www.OlatheKS.org.

Tune In to the e-Town Hall Live Broadcast July 10Released July 9, 2012
Since June 20, Olathe residents have taken to social media channels to raise questions and concerns about the 2013 budget as part of the second Budget e-Town Hall. The event encourages citizen engagement in the budget process by utilizing various forms of traditional electronic communications and social media outreach including web-streamed video, forums, Facebook, Twitter, and live television broadcast.

On Tuesday, July 10 at 6:00 p.m., the City Council will respond to questions live during an e-Town Hall broadcast/webcast on the Olathe Government Network (Comcast Channel 7 and AT&T Channel 99) as well as online via City Webcast. KCPT’s Mike Shanin will serve as moderator.

Believed to be the first effort of its kind in the Midwest, the e-Town Hall was developed to provide more residents a convenient way to share thoughts, ask questions or learn about how their tax dollars are being spent. Transparency continues to be an Olathe City Council priority, and the e-Town Hall format provides one more window into the City’s budget process.

In addition to the e-Town Hall, budget workshops are slated for July 10 and July 24 (tentative) and a public hearing is scheduled for August 7. Residents are always encouraged to share thoughts or ideas with the City, their Council representatives and/or Mayor Copeland. Additional budget information is available on the City’s website, www.OlatheKS.org, as well as a forum for feedback and comments. In addition, residents are encouraged to contact the Budget Office at 971-8671 with inquiries, questions or concerns.

2012 Push America Journey of Hope Returns to Olathe July 10Released July 9, 2012
On Tuesday, July 10, a team of cyclists participating in the Journey of Hope will arrive in Olathe as part of a nine-week, 4,000 +-mile cycling event across the country to raise funds and awareness for people with disabilities.

The team will spend July 10 and 11 in the Olathe community. Mark Cameron, a member of the Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board (PDAB) and Push America volunteer, is helping to coordinate the team's stay in Olathe. The team will visit Olathe City Hall, 100 E. Santa Fe, at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday July 10, where Mayor Michael Copeland will issue a proclamation in honor of the cyclists. Tuesday night, as part of a Friendship Visit, the cyclists will participate in an exhibition wheelchair basketball game against the Kansas Wheelhawks at the Kansas School for the Deaf. The entertainment is free and tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at Foltz Gym on the Kansas School for the Deaf campus, 450 East Park Street. On Wednesday, July 11, the team will tour both Garmin International and a home equipped with assistive technology for the disabled. The Olathe tour stop is sponsored by the City of Olathe, PDAB and Kansas School for the Deaf.

The Journey of Hope is a program of Push America, the national philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, that raises funds and awareness for people with disabilities. The Journey of Hope team consists of men from Pi Kappa Phi chapters across the country. The team will cycle an average of 75 miles per day, beginning in Seattle, WA and ending in Washington, D.C. on August 5.

Celebrating 20 plus years, the Journey of Hope teams hope to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. Push America was founded in 1977 with the hope of committing its members to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. With the combined efforts of sponsors and individual team members, this year's Journey of Hope will raise more than $520,000 on behalf of people with disabilities. Push America and Pi Kappa Phi have raised over $15 million to date and continue to be on the cutting edge of the disability movement.

For more information about this event or more on Push America's summer programs, please contact Mark Cameron at 913-393-4453 or visit www.pushamerica.org.

Learn About the Border War and Civil War at Free Mahaffie Event ThursdayReleased July 9, 2012
Border War Showcase is the theme for this week’s Family Fun Night at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site. The historic site, 1200 Kansas City Road, will be open from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 12 with free admission and activities focusing on the Border War and Civil War.

See what life would have been like for a soldier and participate in marching drills. See what's cooking on Mrs. Mahaffie's stove and try your skills at a variety of games typically played by children in the 19th century. For a small fee, ride the stagecoach or make something to take home in the blacksmith shop. Bring a picnic dinner to eat under the white tent.

As a special feature Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop is hosting representatives from area historical sites sharing information about the Civil War in Kansas and Missouri. Visiting sites will include John Brown from the Battle of Black Jack, Wornall House, Battle of Westport, Adair Cabin, Jesse James Farm, Jackson County Historical Society, Bushwhacker Museum and Freedoms Frontier National Heritage Area.

Mahaffie will also host a traveling exhibit from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources through July 12. The display, “A State Divided: Civil War in Missouri” covers the Civil War as well as the years leading up to the war including the Kansas/Missouri Border War.

Enjoy Family Fun Night each Thursday night in June and July, featuring free admission and small fees for some activities. The first 100 visitors collect a different Wild West Character trading card. Attend each week to collect all eight.

• Border War Showcase – July 12
• Kansas Farming - July 19 and July 26

The Civil War theme will continue with the Day Out with Frank and Ella youth program July 11 and 12. Drop-in sessions for preschools, day cares, and other youth groups or individuals will be held Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from noon to 3:00 p.m. throughout July. Enjoy a different theme each week with hands on activities, crafts and a stagecoach ride (for participating youth). Registration is encouraged but not required. To register, call (913) 971-5111. Cost is $5/youth; accompanying adults admitted free.

The historic site is open with living history activities and stagecoach rides from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and noon to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. For a complete listing of events, visit www.mahaffie.org or call (913) 971-5111.

Olathe Police Explorers Program Accepting Applications through July 31Released July 9, 2012
The Olathe Police Explorers Program is now accepting applications for the 2012-2013 program year. The Olathe Police Department Explorer Post is designed to provide challenging knowledge and training for young people interested in a career in law enforcement. Participants will receive hands on experience which will better prepare them for the realities of a career in law enforcement. The Explorers are given the opportunity to perform numerous police officer tasks while not being placed in dangerous law enforcement situations.

The Olathe Police Explorers Program is a great way for youth to be involved in their community in a positive way. The program will run from September 2012 to July 2013. Applications are available at the Olathe Police Department and are due on or before July 31, 2012.

Register Now for the August 7 National Night Out Against CrimeReleased July 9, 2012
On Tuesday night, August 7, neighborhoods and apartment complexes throughout Olathe are invited to join forces with thousands of other communities nationwide for the “29th Annual National Night Out” crime and drug prevention event. National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by the Olathe Police Department in cooperation with the Olathe Fire Department and Johnson County Med-Act. Over 15,325 communities from all 50 states are expected to participate in this year’s “America’s Night Out against Crime.” In all, over 37 million people participated in National Night Out in 2011. National Night Out 2012 is expected to be the largest ever. Once again, Target is a corporate sponsor.

National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods and the police department are working together to fight back.

From 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 7, people in neighborhoods throughout Olathe are asked to turn on their outside lights and spend the evening outdoors with neighbors. Many neighborhoods will host a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, parades, and contests. Neighborhoods will receive visits from the Olathe Police Department, the Olathe Fire Department or Johnson County Med-Act.

If you would like more information regarding National Night or to register please call 971-6323.

“Julybration” Book Sale July 13-15Released July 9, 2012
Find great buys at the Friends of the Olathe Public Library Book Sale from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on July 13 and 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on July 14. On July 15 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., take advantage of the Six-Bucks-a-Sack Sale; buy two, get two free. The sale is held at the Indian Creek Branch Library, 12990 S. Black Bob Road.

Look through the huge selection of new or nearly new cookbooks – perfect for yourself or gift-giving!
Go back in time and enjoy looking through the collectible Little Golden Books. Buy two, get two free
(equal or lesser value). The sale also includes romance, hardback fiction, children’s and teens, mystery, business, inspiration, classics, sewing, biography, science fiction, textbooks, Christmas, nature, reference, CDs and DVDs.

All sales are final and checks or cash are accepted. Due to space limitations, no strollers or book carts are allowed at the sale.

City CouncilReleased July 2, 2012
The Olathe City Council will next meet Tuesday, July 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall for a regular session. Regular sessions are broadcast live on OGN (Comcast channel 7, AT&T channel 99 and on the City’s website). To see the complete agenda for this meeting, visit the City’s website at www.OlatheKS.org.

4th of July Holiday Schedule for City Offices, LibraryReleased July 2, 2012
City offices will be closed on Wednesday, July 4 to mark the Independence Day holiday. Residential trash and recycling collection schedules will not be impacted. The Olathe Public Library, 201 E. Park, and the Indian Creek Branch Library, 12990 S. Black Bob Road, will also close on Wednesday, July 4.

Residents Still Have Time to Submit Questions for the Budget e-Town HallReleased July 2, 2012
Olathe City Manager Michael Wilkes presented his proposed 2013 General Fund Budget and 2013-2017 Capital Improvement Plan on June 19 to the City Council. Both the Council presentation and proposed budget documents are available on the Budget Planning page of the City’s website.

Until July 10th, residents now have the opportunity to participate in the 2013 budget process as part of the second Budget e-Town Hall event by submitting questions online. The event utilizes various forms of electronic communications and social media outreach including web-streamed video, a web forum, Facebook, Twitter (#OlatheBudget) and live television broadcast. The City Council will respond to questions live during the e-Town Hall broadcast/webcast on the Olathe Government Network (Comcast Channel 7 and AT&T Channel 99) on Tuesday, July 10 at 6:00 p.m.

Additional budget information is available on the City’s website, www.OlatheKS.org, as well as through the forum. In addition, community members are encouraged to contact the Budget Office at 971-8671 with inquiries, questions or concerns.

The Bang on FireworksReleased July 2, 2012
According to the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office, fireworks caused 191 reported injuries in Kansas over a seasonal period spanning the Fourth of July in 2010. Some sparklers, a holiday favorite, burn at temperatures of up to 1800º Fahrenheit - that’s as hot as volcano lava! In an effort to keep you and your family safe, the possession, sale or use of fireworks in Olathe is prohibited.

Professional fireworks displays add enjoyment to many holidays. This Fourth of July, the Olathe Fire Department recommends leaving fireworks to the professionals. Professionals take extensive safety precautions and follow many regulations when creating such spectacular displays. Olathe’s public fireworks display is July 4 at dusk, about 9:30 p.m., at the Great Mall of the Great Plains (I-35 and 151st Street). Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to find parking and set-up their favorite viewing spot. A rain date of July 5 has been set in the event of inclement weather. Should inclement weather be a possibility, the City will provide continual updates via Facebook and Twitter about any scheduling changes.

“Let’s have a safe and patriotic holiday by leaving fireworks to the professionals,” said Olathe Fire Chief Jeff DeGraffenreid.

Fourth of July Week Activities at Mahaffie Stagecoach StopReleased July 2, 2012Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site, 1200 Kansas City Road, is offering several family-friendly ways to spend the Fourth of July week. The historic site is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and noon to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Visitors can explore the 1860s working farm and historic stagecoach stop, help with farm chores, ride the stagecoach and more.

Wednesday, July 4 - Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop will be open with regular 19th Century living history activities and stagecoach rides, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children ages 5-11. Wear red, white and blue and receive $1 off admission.

Thursday, July 5 - Experience life on the Santa Fe, Oregon and California Trails at Family Fun Night from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission is free; a fee will be charged for some activities including stagecoach rides.

Assist with trail side cooking and try-out items used on the Santa Fe Trail. “Write home” with a pen and ink journal, pan for gold or make a hook in the blacksmith shop. See what's cooking on Mrs. Mahaffie's stove and try your skills at a variety of games typically played by children in the 19th Century. Bring a picnic dinner to eat under the white tent.

Enjoy Family Fun Night each Thursday night in June and July, featuring free admission and small fees for some activities. Visitors can participate in hands-on activities associated with a different aspect of 1860s history. The first 100 visitors collect a different Wild West Character trading card. Attend each week to collect all eight.

Hunt, Bush Headline FREE Summer Concert Series Return on July 6Released July 2, 2012
Don’t miss the third concert of the season this Friday, July 6! The show kicks-off with Kelley Hunt at 7:00 p.m. Roots R&B singer/songwriter/piano player Hunt is a woman who has muscled her way onto the scene on her own terms with a combination of passion, soul and superior skills as a vocalist, piano player and writer.

Sam Bush then takes center stage bringing his bluegrass sound back to Olathe. A founding member of the New Grass Revival, Bush has been called a modern day Bill Monroe. Throughout his career, he has acknowledged tradition while pushing mountain music into the realms of rock, jazz, reggae, and Afro-pop. He has shared a stage with some of the biggest names in acoustic and folk music including Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett, and David Grisman. Once again great music and family fun promise to fill the air at Frontier Park.

The 13th Annual Olathe Free Summer Concert Series is presented by the City of Olathe and Farmers Insurance. Arrive early to find your favorite spot, visit the concession stand (all proceeds go to local charity) and sponsor booths. The 2012 season is sponsored by Farmers’, Applebee’s, SureWest, Olathe Toyota/Scion, Olathe Ford RV and Smokin’ Joes. View the entire FREE Summer Concert Series schedule at /ParksRec/Events/SummerConcerts.

First Curtis Gilmore Memorial Scholarship AwardedReleased July 2, 2012
The inaugural Curtis Gilmore Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by the Friends of the Olathe Public Library, was presented to library volunteer Angela Sullivan on June 25, 2012, during a reception at the Olathe Public Library.

Gilmore was a youth library volunteer from 2003 to 2005 who passed in 2007 while a senior at Olathe North High School. The $500 scholarship was established to recognize a graduating senior who as a library volunteer has worked 40 hours or more.

Sullivan, a volunteer since 2009, has worked 228 hours, donating the majority of her time at the Indian Creek Branch Library. She has been homeschooled and will attend Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas in the fall.

“Julybration” Book Sale July 13-15Released July 2, 2012
Find great buys at the Friends of the Olathe Public Library Book Sale from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on July 13 and 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on July 14. On July 15 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., take advantage of the Six-Bucks-a-Sack Sale; buy two, get two free. The sale is held at the Indian Creek Branch Library, 12990 S. Black Bob Road.

Look through the huge selection of new or nearly new cookbooks – perfect for yourself or gift-giving! Go back in time and enjoy looking through the collectible Little Golden Books. Buy two, get two free (equal or lesser value). The sale also includes romance, hardback fiction, children’s and teens, mystery, business, inspiration, classics, sewing, biography, science fiction, textbooks, Christmas, nature, reference, CDs and DVDs.

All sales are final and checks or cash are accepted. Due to space limitations, no strollers or book carts are allowed at the sale.

2012 Push America Journey of Hope Returns to Olathe July 10Released July 2, 2012
On Tuesday, July 10, a team of cyclists participating in the Journey of Hope will arrive in Olathe as part of a nine-week, 4,000 +-mile cycling event across the country to raise funds and awareness for people with disabilities.

The team will spend July 10 and 11 in the Olathe community. Mark Cameron, a member of the Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board (PDAB) and Push America volunteer, is helping to coordinate the team's stay in Olathe. The team will visit Olathe City Hall, 100 E. Santa Fe, at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday July 10, where Mayor Michael Copeland will issue a proclamation in honor of the cyclists. Tuesday night, as part of a Friendship Visit, the cyclists will participate in an exhibition wheelchair basketball game against the Kansas Wheelhawks at the Kansas School for the Deaf. The entertainment is free and tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at Foltz Gym on the Kansas School for the Deaf campus, 450 East Park Street. On Wednesday, July 11, the team will tour both Garmin International and a home equipped with assistive technology for the disabled. The Olathe tour stop is sponsored by the City of Olathe, PDAB and Kansas School for the Deaf.

The Journey of Hope is a program of Push America, the national philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, that raises funds and awareness for people with disabilities. The Journey of Hope team consists of men from Pi Kappa Phi chapters across the country. The team will cycle an average of 75 miles per day, beginning in Seattle, WA and ending in Washington, D.C. on August 5.

Celebrating 20 plus years, the Journey of Hope teams hope to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. Push America was founded in 1977 with the hope of committing its members to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. With the combined efforts of sponsors and individual team members, this year's Journey of Hope will raise more than $520,000 on behalf of people with disabilities. Push America and Pi Kappa Phi have raised over $15 million to date and continue to be on the cutting edge of the disability movement.

For more information about this event or more on Push America's summer programs, please contact Mark Cameron at 913-393-4453 or visit www.pushamerica.org.